Can I change a project path on an if/then decision

[jerryi]

I am trying to set up a project that will take one of two very different
paths based upon a decision made at one step in the project. How do I show
that in MS Project Std 2003? If it can't be done are there any other options
this first time user can take?

Thanks

 

[John]

I am trying to set up a project that will take one of two very different
paths based upon a decision made at one step in the project. How do I show
that in MS Project Std 2003? If it can't be done are there any other options
this first time user can take?

Thanks

jerryi,
When you say, "change a project path" I assume you mean that given a
certain set of circumstances either one set of tasks will be performed
or another set will be performed. And, yes that can be done using
various methods.

One method is to simply not show either set of alternate tasks until the
decision point is reached. Then create the tasks that will be followed.

A second approach might be to lay in both alternate set of tasks and
then either delete or render null (e.g. set all Work to zero) the path
that will not be used. This approach allows some what-if scenarios to be
reviewed.

A third approach could potentially automate the second method through
the use of VBA.

In Project (any version) linkages between tasks are not based on a
decision, (other than that made by the user), that determines what path
is taken. In that regard there is no simple option or formula that can
"direct" the logic flow of the project. That is why we humans are still
needed - to make decisions. As noted above, sometimes the process can be
made a little easier with automation, but it still comes down to the
Project Manager making the final call.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP

 

[Jerryi]

jerryi,
When you say, "change a project path" I assume you mean that given a
certain set of circumstances either one set of tasks will be performed
or another set will be performed. And, yes that can be done using
various methods.

One method is to simply not show either set of alternate tasks until the
decision point is reached. Then create the tasks that will be followed.

A second approach might be to lay in both alternate set of tasks and
then either delete or render null (e.g. set all Work to zero) the path
that will not be used. This approach allows some what-if scenarios to be
reviewed.

A third approach could potentially automate the second method through
the use of VBA.

In Project (any version) linkages between tasks are not based on a
decision, (other than that made by the user), that determines what path
is taken. In that regard there is no simple option or formula that can
"direct" the logic flow of the project. That is why we humans are still
needed - to make decisions. As noted above, sometimes the process can be
made a little easier with automation, but it still comes down to the
Project Manager making the final call.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP

Thanks John, that is what I sort of expected from looking at the Project
options I had. Unfortunately it doesn't help me use Project for what I was
trying to do -- show a client the possible paths the project could take based
upon selection of a methodology and the time and work differences between the
two paths the project could take..

I guess I could stop at the decision point and then create a new project
plan for each path - though that wouldn't give the graphic impact of them
being alongside one another.

I do appreciate the quick response to my question, thanks for the help.

Jerry

 

[Joaquim Amado Lopes]

Greetings.

On Sun, 15 May 2005 10:50:01 -0700, Jerryi

Thanks John, that is what I sort of expected from looking at the Project
options I had. Unfortunately it doesn't help me use Project for what I was
trying to do -- show a client the possible paths the project could take based
upon selection of a methodology and the time and work differences between the
two paths the project could take..

[snip]
You could try:
- create the project with path 1 and save it to Baseline 1
- edit it to reflect path 2 and save it to Baseline 2
- create different views to reflect Baseline 1 and/or Baseline 2

Hope this helps,
Joaquim Amado Lopes

 

[Gérard Ducouret]

Hello,

Thanks John, that is what I sort of expected from looking at the Project
options I had. Unfortunately it doesn't help me use Project for what I was
trying to do -- show a client the possible paths the project could take based
upon selection of a methodology and the time and work differences between the
two paths the project could take..

I guess I could stop at the decision point and then create a new project
plan for each path - though that wouldn't give the graphic impact of them
being alongside one another.

I do appreciate the quick response to my question, thanks for the help.

Jerry

To show your client the possible paths the project could take based upon
selection of a methodology and the time and work differences between the two
paths, you could do the following:
- Display the Tracking Gantt
- Plan the shortest path
- Save the baseline : Tools / Tracking / Save baseline / OK
- Change the plan to display the longest path

Gérard Ducouret

 

[Gérard Ducouret]

Hi Joaquim,

Practically the same idea at the same time !

Gérard Ducouret

 

[Joaquim Amado Lopes]

Hello, Gerard.

Hi Joaquim,

Practically the same idea at the same time !

Great minds think alike. So do ours. ;-]

Take care,
Joaquim Amado Lopes